Chandipura Virus In Gujarat Causes Fatal Illnesses, Deaths Particularly In Children, What You Need To Know!

Add as a preferred source on Google

On Tuesday, 16 July, the Gujarat Government confirmed that the Chandipura virus has so far claimed the lives of 6 children and affected about 12 - from Gujarat (9), Rajasthan (2), and Madhya Pradesh (1), in the past 5 days. New outbreak centres have also emerged; cases are now suspected in tribal areas such as Pavagadh, Khedbrahma, and God in Gujarat.

All 12 samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune for verification, mentions a report by IANS.

What Is Chandipura Virus? Causes And Symptoms

The Chandipura Virus (CHPV) belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes thessavirus responsible for rabies. It is primarily transmitted through bites from sand like Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomusatasi, as well as mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti, known for dengue. The virus resides in the salivary glands of these and can infect humans or domestic animals through bites.

Children under 15 years old are particularly susceptible this virus.

Initially, CHPV infection presents flu-like symptoms including sudden fever, body aches, and headaches. It then progresses to more severe conditions such as altered sensorium or seizures and enceitis. Retrospective studies in India have also noted symptoms like respiratory, bleeding tendencies, or anemia. The infection often advances after encephalitis sets in, potentially leading to death.

The CHPV was first identified in 1965 during an investigation into a dengue/chungunya outbreak in Maharashtra. Significant outbreaks occurred in 2003-04 Maharashtra, northern Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, resulting in over 300 deaths across these states. Gujarat experienced a case fatality rate (CFR of around 78% during the 2004 outbreak while Andhra Pradesh a CFR of approximately 55% during the 2003 outbreak.

"Its symptoms include sudden onset of high-grade fever, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, altered sensorium which can ultimately lead to death within 24 to 72 hours of the onset of the symptoms," Dr. Shreya Dubey, Consultant - Neonatology and Paediatric, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS.

What makes this disease difficult to manage is the rapid transmission and high mortality rate associated with infections. Also, experts say that the epidemiology of this virus is not completely understood and that the outbreaks have been reported primarily in India, with sporadic cases in other regions.

How To Detect Chandipura Virus Early?

Currently, there is no specific antiretroviral therapy vaccine available for CHPV infection. Management focuses on symptomatic relief and controlling inflammation to prevent mortality. The disease can progress swiftly; a patient might report fever in the morning and experience kidney or liver issues by evening.

"As soon as someone notices any symptoms, they should visit the emergency or seek medical attention as early as possible," said Dr Dubey to IANS.

Talking about public health strategies, using bed nets, insect repellents, and insecticides, and raising awareness about the risks and symptoms of this virus will control this transmission to a great extent, believes Dr Panda.

Further, better research will help the expert understand the transmission dynamics of the virus, which will help to develop effective treatments and create vaccines and ultimately reduce the impact of this virus on the population.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.